Dual rotor crop load system and method

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/419,887, filed Oct. 27, 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure relates to agricultural machines for harvesting crop and, in particular, to systems and methods for directing harvested crop, for example, to rotors of a dual rotor threshing assembly of the agricultural machine.

Many work machines for harvesting crop utilize a dual rotor threshing assembly to separate grain or the like from the remaining plant debris such as leaves, stalks, and stems. The dual rotor threshing assembly may include two rotor assemblies. Each rotor assembly may include a rotor. As the rotors rotate, grain and debris positioned within the rotor assemblies are agitated and moved axially towards the rear of the rotor assemblies. As the rotors separate the grain from the remaining debris, the grain falls through grates or the like along lower portions of the rotor assemblies. Once the grain is separated, it is further processed and temporarily stored in a tank of the work machine.

In an illustrative implementation, an agricultural machine for processing harvested crop includes: a dual rotor threshing assembly including a first threshing rotor and a second threshing rotor positioned adjacent to the first threshing rotor, wherein each of the first threshing rotor and the second threshing rotor are configured to rotate to process the harvested crop; a first sensor and a second sensor each configured to measure a parameter indicative of crop load; and a controller operatively coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor and configured to receive signals from the first sensor and the second sensor associated with the measured parameter. In some implementations, the first sensor is configured to measure the parameter indicative of crop load of the first threshing rotor and the second sensor is configured to measure the parameter indicative of crop load of the second threshing rotor. In some implementations, the controller is configured to determine whether one of the first threshing rotor and the second threshing rotor has a lesser crop load than the other of the first threshing rotor and the second threshing rotor based on the signals associated with the measured parameter received from the first sensor and the second sensor.

In some implementations, the agricultural machine further includes a frame to which the first threshing rotor and the second threshing rotor are coupled; the first threshing rotor and the second threshing rotor are configured to rotate relative to the frame to process the harvested crop.

In some implementations, the first sensor and the second sensor are configured to measure strain on the frame. In some implementations, the first threshing rotor is coupled to a laterally extending crossbar of the frame via a first bearing that facilitates rotation of the first threshing rotor about a first axis; the second threshing rotor is coupled to the laterally extending crossbar of the frame via a second bearing that facilitates rotation of the second threshing rotor about a second axis; the first sensor is coupled to the laterally extending crossbar and aligned with the first axis; and the second sensor is coupled to the laterally extending crossbar and aligned with the second axis.

In some implementations, the agricultural machine further includes: a guide drum configured to rotate relative to the frame to direct harvested crop to the first threshing rotor and the second threshing rotor; the guide drum is coupled between a first bracket of the frame and a second bracket of the frame. In some implementations, the first sensor is coupled to the first bracket and the second sensor is coupled to the second bracket.

In some implementations, the agricultural machine further includes a threshing basket including: a first side movable relative to the first threshing rotor and configured to process the harvested crop in cooperation with the first threshing rotor; and a second side movable, independently of the first side, relative to the second threshing rotor and configured to process the harvested crop in cooperation with the second threshing rotor.

In some implementations, the agricultural machine further includes a first cylinder assembly that is coupled to the frame, coupled to the first side of the thresher basket, and configured to extend and retract with movement of the first side of the thresher basket; a second cylinder assembly that is coupled to the frame, coupled to the second side of the thresher basket, and configured to extend and retract with movement of the second side of the thresher basket; and the first sensor is configured to measure pressure in a first cylinder assembly and the second sensor is configured to measure pressure in a second cylinder assembly.

In some implementations, the agricultural machine further includes a third sensor configured to measure pressure in a third cylinder assembly and a fourth sensor configured to measure pressure in a fourth cylinder assembly; the third cylinder assembly is positioned rearward of the first cylinder assembly and includes a first end coupled to the frame and a second end coupled to the first side of the thresher basket for movement therewith; the fourth cylinder assembly is positioned rearward of the second cylinder assembly and includes a first end coupled to the frame and a second end coupled to the second side of the thresher basket for movement therewith; and the controller is configured to determine whether one of the first threshing rotor and the second threshing rotor has a lesser crop load than the other of the first threshing rotor and the second threshing rotor based on measured pressures received from each of the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor, and the fourth sensor.

In some implementations, the controller is configured to compare a combination of the measured pressures received from the first cylinder and the third cylinder to a combination of the measured pressures received from the second cylinder and the fourth cylinder to determine whether one of the first threshing rotor and the second threshing rotor has a lesser crop load than the other of the first threshing rotor and the second threshing rotor.

In some implementations, the first sensor is configured to measure a position or change in position of the first side of the thresher basket relative to the first threshing rotor; and the second sensor is configured to measure a position or change in position of the second side of thresher basket relative to the second threshing rotor. In some implementations, at least one of the first sensor and the second sensor is a potentiometer.

In some implementations, the controller is configured to change a distribution of harvested crop between the first threshing rotor and the second threshing rotor in response to determining that one of the first threshing rotor and the second threshing rotor has a lesser crop load than the other of the first threshing rotor and the second threshing rotor. In some implementations, the controller is configured to cause movement of a deflector that engages with the harvested crop in response to determining that one of the first threshing rotor and the second threshing rotor has a lesser crop load than the other of the first threshing rotor and the second threshing rotor. In some implementations, the deflector is positioned upstream of the first threshing rotor and the second threshing rotor.

In another illustrative implementation, a method associated with processing harvested crop via an agricultural machine includes: rotating a first threshing rotor and a second threshing rotor positioned adjacent to the first threshing rotor to process the harvested crop; measuring, via a first sensor, a parameter indicative of crop load on the first threshing rotor; measuring, via a second sensor, the parameter indicative of crop load on the second threshing rotor; receiving, via the controller, the measured parameter from the first sensor and the measured parameter from the second sensor; and determining, via the controller, whether one of the first threshing rotor and the second threshing rotor has a lesser crop load than the other of the first threshing rotor and the second threshing rotor based on the measured parameter received from the first sensor and from the second sensor.

In some implementations, measuring the parameter indicative of the crop load includes measuring pressure. In some implementations, measuring the parameter indicative of the crop load includes measuring strain. In some implementations, measuring the parameter indicative of the crop load includes measuring a position or change in position of first and second sides of a thresher basket that cooperates with the first threshing rotor and the second threshing rotor to process the harvested crop.

In some implementations, the method further includes changing a distribution of harvested crop between the first threshing rotor and the second threshing rotor in response to determining that one of the first threshing rotor and the second threshing rotor has a lesser crop load than the other of the first threshing rotor and the second threshing rotor.

In another illustrative implementation, an agricultural machine for processing harvested crop includes: a dual rotor threshing assembly including a first threshing rotor and a second threshing rotor positioned adjacent to the first threshing rotor, wherein each of the first threshing rotor and the second threshing rotor are configured to rotate relative to a frame to process the harvested crop; a guide drum configured to rotate relative to the frame to direct harvested crop downstream to the first threshing rotor and the second threshing rotor; a first sensor and a second sensor each configured to measure a parameter indicative of crop load; and a controller operatively coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor and configured to receive signals from the first sensor and the second sensor associated with the measured parameter. In some implementations, the first sensor is configured to measure the parameter indicative of crop load of the first threshing rotor and the second sensor is configured to measure the parameter indicative of crop load of the second threshing rotor. In some implementations, the controller is configured to change a distribution of harvested crop based on the signals associated with the measured parameter received from the first sensor and the second sensor.

Corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

The implementations of the present disclosure described below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms in the following detailed description. Rather, the implementations are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present disclosure.

In, an implementation of an agricultural machineis shown. The agricultural machineincludes a frameand one or more ground engaging mechanisms such as wheelsor tracks that are in contact with an underlying ground surface. In the illustrative implementation, the wheelsare coupled to the frameand are used for propulsion of the agricultural machinein a forward operating direction (which is to the left in) and in other directions. In some implementations, operation of the agricultural machineis controlled from an operator's cab. The operator's cabmay include any number of controls for controlling the operation of the agricultural machinesuch as a user interface. In some implementations, operation of the agricultural machinemay be conducted by a human operator in the operator's cab, a remote human operator, or an automated system.

A cutting headis disposed at a forward end of the agricultural machineand is used to harvest crop and to conduct harvested crop to a slope conveyor. The term harvested crop as used herein includes grain (e.g., corn, wheat, soybeans, rice, oats) and material other than grain (MOG). The slope conveyerconducts the harvested crop to a guide drum. The guide drumrotates relative to the frameto move the harvested crop below the guide drumto an inletof a dual rotor threshing assembly, as shown in. The dual rotor threshing assemblyincludes a first threshing rotor assemblyhaving a first threshing rotorand a second threshing rotor assemblyhaving a second threshing rotor. The second threshing rotor assemblyis shown in. In the illustrative implementation, the first threshing rotor assemblyand the second threshing rotor assemblyare identical, and therefore, references made to the rotor assemblyand the components thereof are equally applicable to the rotor assembly. The first threshing rotorincludes a drumarranged along a first threshing axis, and the second threshing rotorincludes a drumarranged along a second threshing axis.

The dual rotor threshing assemblyfurther includes a charging section, a threshing section, and a separating section. The charging sectionis arranged at a front end of the dual rotor threshing assembly, the separating sectionis arranged at a rear end of the dual rotor threshing assembly, and the threshing sectionis arranged between the charging sectionand the separating section. In the illustrative implementation, the dual rotor threshing assemblyfurther includes a thresher basketand a separating grate.

In the illustrative implementation, the thresher basketis positioned in the threshing sectionbelow the first and second threshing rotors,. The thresher basketcooperates with the first and second threshing rotors,to process harvested crop, for example, by compressing the harvested crop to remove grain from MOG before the harvested crop is moved to the separating section. In the illustrative implementation, the separating grateis positioned in the separating sectionbelow the first and second threshing rotors,. The separating gratecooperates with the first and second threshing rotors,to process harvested crop, for example, by facilitating separation of the harvested crop to release grain from MOG.

In some implementations, the thresher basketincludes a first sidepositioned adjacent to and below the first threshing rotorand a second sidepositioned adjacent to and below the second threshing rotor. The first sideof the thresher basketcooperates with the first threshing rotorto process harvested crop, and the second sideof the thresher basketcooperates with the second threshing rotorto process harvested crop. In some implementations, first sideand the second sideof the thresher basketare movable independently from one another relative to the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor, respectively.

Harvested crop falls through the thresher basketand through the separating grate. The harvested crop may be directed to a clean crop routing assemblywith a blowerand sieves,with louvers. The sieves,can be oscillated in the fore-and-aft direction. The clean crop routing assemblyremoves MOG and guides grain over a screw conveyorto a grain elevator. The grain elevatordeposits the grain in a grain tank, as shown in. The grain in the grain tankcan be unloaded by an unloading screw conveyorto a grain wagon, trailer, or truck, for example. Harvested crop remaining at a rear end of the sieveis again transported to the dual rotor threshing assemblyby a screw conveyor. Harvested crop remaining at a rear end of the sieveis conveyed by an oscillating sheet conveyorto a lower inletof a crop debris routing assembly.

The aforementioned blowerproduces air flow that carries portions of MOG (e.g., chaff and straw particles) downstream in the agricultural machineand to the crop debris routing assembly. Straw is ejected through an outletof the dual rotor threshing assemblyand conducted to an ejection drum. The ejection druminteracts with a sheetarranged underneath the ejection drumto move straw rearwardly. A wallis located to the rear of the ejection drumand guides the straw into an upper inletof the crop debris routing assembly.

The crop debris routing assemblyincludes a chopper housingand a chopper rotorarranged in the chopper housing. The chopper rotorrotates in a counter-clockwise direction, for example, about a chopper axis. In the illustrative implementation, the chopper axisextends in a lateral direction perpendicular to the fore-and-aft direction. The chopper rotorincludes a plurality of chopper knivesextending to a circumference of the chopper rotor. The crop debris routing assemblyfurther includes opposing knives(one of which is shown in) that are coupled to the chopper housing. In some implementations, the opposing knivesmay be spaced laterally apart from and interleaved with the chopper knives. The chopper knivescooperate with the opposing knivesto chop the straw into smaller pieces.

Referring again to, in some implementations, one or more spreaders are provided downstream of an outletof the crop debris routing assembly. One spreader is shown in. The spreadermay include a number of impeller blades, each of which is connected to a diskthat rotates about central axis. The diskmay be rotatably driven by a hydraulic motor, for example, and rotation of the diskrotates the impeller blades. Chopped straw is moved through the outletof the crop debris routing assemblyto the spreader. Rotation of the impeller bladesof the spreaderspreads the chopped straw as the chopped straw exits the agricultural machine.

Whileillustrates one type of agricultural machine, the teachings of this disclosure are not limited to the specific machine shown and described herein with reference to. Rather, the teachings of this disclosure may be applied to any type of harvesting machine that utilizes more than one rotor assembly for processing harvested crop. The implementation ofis merely a non-exclusive example of an agricultural machinewithin the scope of the present disclosure.

The first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotorare rotationally coupled to the frameof the agricultural machine, for example, by any number of brackets, bearings, or the like. In some implementations, the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotorare indirectly coupled to the frame. The first threshing rotoris configured to rotate about the first threshing axis, and the second threshing rotoris configured to rotate about the second threshing axis. In this configuration, harvested crop is received by the first threshing rotor assemblyand the second threshing rotor assemblyvia the inletof the dual rotor threshing assembly. The agricultural machinemay selectively rotate the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotorvia a mechanical linkage coupled to a prime mover, a hydraulic motor, an electric motor, a pneumatic motor, or any other system for rotating an assembly.

In the illustrative implementation, the frameincludes a first cover, a second cover, a first side panel, a spine, and a second side panel. The spineis positioned adjacent to and between the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor. The spineseparates the first threshing rotor assemblyfrom the second threshing rotor assembly. The first coverextends from the first side panelto the spine, and the second coverextends from the spineto the second side panel. As illustrated in, for example, the first coverhas an arc-shaped profile to form at least part of a cylindrical cavity of the first threshing rotor assemblycorresponding to a shape of the first threshing rotor, and the second coverhas an arc-shaped profile to form at least part of a cylindrical cavity of the second threshing rotor assemblycorresponding to a shape of the second threshing rotor.

As shown in, a deflectoris positioned at a forward endof the spineand laterally between the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor. In the illustrative implementation, the deflectoris positioned upstream of the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor. The deflectoris positioned downstream of the guide drumto direct harvested crop received from the guide drumtoward each of the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor. In the illustrative implementation, the deflectoris coupled to the spine. In some implementations, the deflectoris permanently coupled to the spine. In some implementations, the deflectoris removably coupled to the spine, for example, via fasteners.

As shown in, the deflectoris moveable relative to the frame. Movement of the deflectoralters an amount of harvested crop directed toward the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor. For example, movement of the deflectorincreases the amount of harvested crop directed toward one of the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor, and likewise, decreases the amount of harvested crop directed toward the other of the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor. This is different than deflectors of conventional agricultural machines, which, all other variables being equal (e.g., tilt of the machine or crop intake at each side of the machine), tend to deflect harvested crop equally toward a first threshing rotor and a second threshing rotor. In the illustrative implementation, during movement of the deflector, the deflectorremains positioned between the first threshing axisand the second threshing axis.

As shown by, the deflectoris configured to pivot relative to the frameabout axisin the directions of arrows,. The deflectormay also be described as pivotable relative to the spineor pivotable relative to the first and second threshing rotors,. As shown in, in one example, a rearward portionof the deflectormay be pivotably coupled to the spinevia hinges,. As shown in, andC, the deflectoralso includes a forward portion, a first side, and a second side. As shown in, the first sideand the second sideeach extend outwardly (i.e., laterally) and rearwardly away from the forward portion. This geometry aids in directing harvested crop to the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor. The forward portionof the deflectoris pivotable toward the first threshing rotoror the second threshing rotor. For example,shows the deflectoraligned with the spine, andshows the deflectorpivoted about the axisin the direction of the arrowtoward the first threshing rotor.

Referring again to, in the illustrative implementation, an actuatoris coupled at a first endto the first sideof the deflectorand at a second endto the frame. In some implementations, the actuatoris indirectly coupled to the deflectorand indirectly coupled to the frame. While inthe actuatoris embodied as a linear actuator, the actuatormay also be a rotary actuator or any other type of actuator operable to pivot the deflectorrelative to the frameand the spine. The actuatormay be electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, or any other type operable to actuate the deflector.

shows another implementation of the dual rotor threshing assembly, which includes a deflector. As shown in, the deflectoris positioned upstream of the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor. The deflectoris moveable relative to the frame. Movement of the deflectoralters an amount of harvested crop directed to the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor. For example, movement of the deflectorincreases the amount of harvested crop directed toward one of the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor, and likewise, decreases the amount of harvested crop directed toward the other of the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor. This is different than deflectors of conventional agricultural machines, which, all other variables being equal (e.g., tilt of the machine or crop intake at each side of the machine), tend to deflect harvested crop equally toward a first threshing rotor and a second threshing rotor. In the illustrative implementation, during movement of the deflector, the deflectorremains positioned between the first threshing axisand the second threshing axis. In some implementations, the deflectoris permanently coupled to the spine. In some implementations, the deflectoris removably coupled to the spine, for example, via fasteners.

As suggested by, the deflectoris configured to slide laterally relative to the framein the directions indicated by arrows,. The deflectormay also be described as slidable laterally relative to the spineor relative to the first and second threshing rotors,. In an illustrative implementation, the deflectormay be slidably coupled to one or more laterally extending rails or channels that are fixed relative to the frame. In the illustrative implementation, the deflectorincludes a forward portion, a first side, and a second side. The first sideand the second sideeach extend outwardly (i.e., laterally) and rearwardly away from the forward portion. Thus, in the illustrative implementation, the deflectorhas the same shape as the deflector, which is shown in. This geometry aids in directing harvested crop to the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor.

In the illustrative implementation, an actuatoris coupled at a first endto the first sideof the deflectorand at a second endto the frame. In some implementations, the actuatoris indirectly coupled to the deflectorand the frame. While inthe actuatoris embodied as a linear actuator, in other instances, the actuatormay be a rotary actuator or any other type of actuator operable to slide the deflectorrelative to the frameand the spine. The actuatormay be electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, or any other type operable to actuate the deflector.

shows another implementation of the dual rotor threshing assembly, which includes a deflector. As shown, at least a portion of the deflectoris positioned upstream of the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor. The deflectoris moveable relative to the frame. Movement of the deflectoralters an amount of harvested crop directed toward the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor. For example, movement of the deflectorincreases the amount of harvested crop directed toward one of the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor, and likewise, decreases the amount of harvested crop directed toward the other of the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor. This is different than deflectors of conventional agricultural machines, which, all other variables being equal (e.g., tilt of the machine or crop intake at each side of the machine), tend to deflect harvested crop equally toward a first threshing rotor and a second threshing rotor. In the illustrative implementation, during movement of the deflector, the deflectorremains positioned between the first threshing axisand the second threshing axis. In some implementations, the deflectoris permanently coupled to the spine. In other implementations, the deflectoris removably coupled to the spine, for example, via fasteners.

As suggested by, the deflectoris configured to rotate clockwise in the direction of arrowor counter-clockwise in the direction of arrowabout a rotational axisrelative to the frame. The deflectormay also be described as rotatable clockwise or counter-clockwise relative to the spineor the first and second threshing rotors,. As used herein, a component configured to be rotated is configured to move 360 degrees about an axis, and a component configured to be pivoted is configured to move less than 360 degrees about an axis.

In an illustrative implementation, the deflectormay be rotatably coupled to the frame(e.g., to the spine) via bearings,. In the illustrative implementation, the deflectorincludes a body portion, which may be cylindrical. The deflectormay also include a plurality of protrusions, indents, or other features forming a texture surface of the deflectorfor better contacting and directing harvested crop. For example, the deflectormay include a plurality of fingersextending outwardly from the body portionand configured to contact and direct harvested crop. The fingersaid in directing harvested crop to the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor. The body portionis defined about the rotational axis, about which the deflectoris configured to rotate. The rotational axisis fixed relative to the frame, the spine, the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor, and the threshing axes,. In the illustrative implementation, the deflectoris coupled, for example, at a first endof the body portion, to an actuator. In some implementations, the actuatoris indirectly coupled to deflectorand the frame. In the illustrative implementation, the actuatoris embodied as a rotary actuator; however, in some implementations, the actuatormay be another type of actuator operable to rotate the deflector. The actuatormay be electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, or another type of actuator.

shows another implementation of the dual rotor threshing assembly, which includes a deflector. The deflectoris positioned laterally between the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor. In the illustrative implementation, the deflectoris positioned upstream of the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor. The deflectoris positioned downstream of the guide drum, which extends in the lateral direction perpendicular to the first and second threshing axes,. The deflectoris configured to direct harvested crop received from the guide drumtoward each of the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor. In the illustrative implementation, the deflectoris coupled to the frameand indirectly coupled to the spineof the frame. In some implementations, the deflectoris permanently coupled to the frame. In some implementations, the deflectoris removably coupled to the frame, for example, via fasteners.

As shown in, the deflectoris moveable relative to the frame. Movement of the deflectoralters an amount of harvested crop directed toward the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor. For example, movement of the deflectorincreases the amount of harvested crop directed toward one of the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor, and likewise, decreases the amount of harvested crop directed toward the other of the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor. This is different than deflectors of conventional agricultural machines, which, all other variables being equal (e.g., tilt of the machine or crop intake at each side of the machine), tend to deflect harvested crop equally toward a first threshing rotor and a second threshing rotor. In the illustrative implementation, during movement of the deflector, the deflectorremains positioned between the first threshing axisand the second threshing axis. As shown in, in some implementations, a majority of the deflectoris positioned below the first threshing axisand the second threshing axis. In some implementations, an entirety of the deflectoris positioned below the first threshing axisand the second threshing axis. The terms above and below, are used herein with reference to the vertical direction, which is shown by the double sided arrow in.

As shown in, the deflectoris configured to pivot relative to the frameabout an axisin the directions of arrows,. The deflectormay also be described as pivotable relative to the spineor pivotable relative to the first and second threshing rotors,. As shown in, a rearward portionof the deflectormay be pivotably coupled to the framevia a hinge. In the illustrative implementation, the frameincludes a floorover which harvested crop passes, and the deflectoris pivotably coupled to the floorof the frame. As shown in, in the illustrative implementation, the deflectoris shaped to accommodate available space between the guide drumand the first and second threshing rotors,. For example, in the illustrative implementation, the deflectorincludes a forward portionhaving a cut-out (for example, an arcuate cut-out), and a lower portion of the deflectorhas a great length than an upper portion of the deflector.

Referring still to, in the illustrative implementation, an actuatoris coupled to the deflectorand to the frame. In the illustrative implementation, the actuatoris embodied as a rotary actuator; however, in some implementations, the actuatormay be another type of actuator operable to cause pivoting movement of the deflector. The actuatormay be electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, or another type of actuator.

shows another implementation of the dual rotor threshing assembly, which includes a deflector. The deflectoris positioned laterally between the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor. In the illustrative implementation, the deflectoris positioned upstream of the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor. The deflectoris positioned downstream of the guide drumand is configured to direct harvested crop received from the guide drumtoward each of the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor.

As shown in, the deflectoris moveable relative to the frame. Movement of the deflectoralters an amount of harvested crop directed toward the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor. For example, movement of the deflectorincreases the amount of harvested crop directed toward one of the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor, and likewise, decreases the amount of harvested crop directed toward the other of the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor. This is different than deflectors of conventional agricultural machines, which, all other variables being equal (e.g., tilt of the machine or crop intake at each side of the machine), tend to deflect harvested crop equally toward a first threshing rotor and a second threshing rotor. In the illustrative implementation, during movement of the deflector, the deflectorremains positioned between the first threshing axisand the second threshing axis. In some implementations, a majority of the deflectoris positioned below the first threshing axisand the second threshing axis. In some implementations, an entirety of the deflectoris positioned below the first threshing axisand the second threshing axis.

As shown in, the deflectoris configured to rotate clockwise in the direction of arrowor counter-clockwise in the direction of arrowabout a rotational axisrelative to the frame. The deflectormay also be described as rotatable clockwise or counter-clockwise relative to the spineor the first and second threshing rotors,. In the illustrative implementation, the frameincludes the floorover which harvested crop passes, and the deflectoris rotatably coupled to the floorof the frame. As shown in, in the illustrative implementation, the deflectoris shaped to accommodate available space between the guide drumand the first and second threshing rotors,. For example, in the illustrative implementation, the deflectoris conical and narrows from a top portion to a bottom portion.

In the illustrative implementation, the deflectorincludes a plurality of protrusions for contacting and directing harvested crop. In the illustrative implementation, the deflectoris coupled (for example, at the bottom portion) to an actuator. In the illustrative implementation, the actuatoris embodied as a rotary actuator; however, in some implementations, the actuatormay be another type of actuator operable to rotate the deflector. The actuatormay be electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, or another type of actuator.

While each of the deflectors,,,,are positioned upstream of the first and second threshing rotors,, in some implementations, deflectors (such as those described herein) are positioned downstream of the first and second threshing rotors,. In some implementations, one or more deflectors positioned downstream of the first and second threshing rotors,are coupled to and moveable relative to the frameand engage with and direct harvested crop after the harvested crop is processed by the first and second threshing rotors,. In some implementations, the controlleris configured to cause movement of one or more deflectors positioned downstream of the first and second threshing rotors,in response to determining that one of the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotorhas a lesser crop load than the other of the first threshing rotorand the second threshing rotor.